Ag in Conversation

129 | This week we cover a wide-ranging mix of farming, policy, and industry updates, with a strong focus on what’s changing across agriculture in New Zealand and beyond.We wrap up with a chat about the REDA internship through Zentra - have a look!! https://www.zenterawool.com/careers/2027-zentera-reda-internshipBig thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

EP | 128 The Pig, The Pitch & The Power of WoolChristchurch has been missing the All Blacks live games for years, but Christchurch’s new stadium is changing not only that but also changing the game — not just for sport, but for engineering, climate-smart design, and turf innovation. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the stadium’s remarkable indoor grass system, exploring how perfect playing surfaces are grown under a roof with natural light, carefully controlled moisture, oxygen, and temperature, and a hybrid pitch designed to perform at the highest level.We also look at the broader impact of this kind of innovation: what it means for stadium design, sustainability, and even the future of agri-infrastructure and safety gear made from wool. From the science of elite ryegrass to the challenge of creating world-class conditions indoors, this is a deep dive into the ingenuity that makes modern sport possible.And while the stadium story takes centre stage, we also touch on the vital role of rural women in community resilience, plus the unexpectedly funny and culturally revealing story of Donald the pig’s escape — a reminder of how the stories we tell can shape the way we see animals, farming, and rural life.If you’re interested in turf, sport, engineering, or the bigger ideas shaping rural New Zealand, this episode is packed with insight, innovation, and a few surprises along the way.Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

EP | 127 How New Zealand’s Indigenous Values Lead the World in Rights of Nature This week on the podcast, we’re covering everything from sleep-deprived parenting and freezing winter mornings to big industry headlines and a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into why nature might need legal rights of its own.We kick things off with the latest from the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards, celebrating the people making a real difference across the sector — from rising stars and rural broadcasters to standout journalists and industry leaders. Then we unpack the Federated Farmers AGM and the leadership change that made headlines, separating the facts from the clickbait.We also look at the brutal European heatwave and what it means for livestock, crops, water, and global food systems — plus what New Zealand can learn from all of it. And in our deep dive, we explore the growing idea of “rights of nature,” from the Whanganui River to Te Arawera, and why this concept is already reshaping the way we think about land, water, and stewardship.Add in a nod to Farmers Weekly, a bit of sports chat, and plenty of laughs along the way, and you’ve got a lively episode with big ideas, real-world relevance, and just enough fun to keep it all moving.Tune in for a smart, warm, and very human conversation about the issues shaping farming, the environment, and rural life right now.Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

126 |  Emily and Myfi explore current geopolitical trade issues, innovative sports nutrition strategies, potential conservation land forms in New Zealand, is the primary sector still the backbone of the NZ economy?If your a women in farming - please take a look at this survey - https://lincoln.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ki2yj3KW6pfLgyBig thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

24 | We dive deep into the massive shifts transforming Aotearoa’s primary industries—from the cutting-edge science rewriting the rules of Kiwi wine production to a historic win for global farming advocacy on television.In This Episode:The Main Discussion | The Wine Industry’s Evolution: We break down why global drinking habits are forcing winemakers to adapt. From the "climate-alcohol paradox" to innovative vineyard canopy manipulation that naturally lowers alcohol without losing premium flavor, we explore how NZ can maintain its competitive global edge through radical sustainability and new trade deals.The Injury Farmers Ignore: Addressing the "tough farmer" stereotype. We look at the reality of concussions on the farm, why solo operators are at higher risk, and how modern recovery is moving away from "dark rooms" and toward proactive, ACC-supported care. Visit the Brain Hub marquee at Fieldays for free concussion support info.The Organic Boom: NZ’s organic sector is now a $1.2 billion powerhouse growing at twice the rate of the rest of the food and fibre industry. We discuss Fonterra’s big play in Southland, the lucrative payout forecasts, and the rise of Young Organics Aotearoa.El Niño Locks In: Meteorologist Phil Duncan’s latest outlook shows a massive high-pressure system dominating the country. We map out the regional split—severe dryness in Canterbury, Otago, and Manawatū—and what this means for the winter feed strategy and the upcoming Fieldays.Celebrating Rural Entrepreneurs: A massive shoutout to the category winners of the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards! We spotlight the incredible women leading operations across regional NZ ahead of the Supreme Winner announcement at Parliament on July 23.A Historic Win for Farmers: Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Farmers' Choir just made history by winning Britain's Got Talent, securing £250,000, and shining a global prime-time spotlight on rural mental health.Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

EP 123 | Rugby chat with a side order of budget!This week on Ag in Conversation, we kick things off with a chat about rugby, the Crusaders, and the excitement surrounding Christchurch's new stadium before turning our attention to the issues shaping rural New Zealand. We unpack what the 2026 Budget means for farmers, explore the latest dairy payout forecasts, and discuss why many arable growers are facing a particularly challenging season. We also head to the United States to examine an innovative new initiative designed to improve access to protein for vulnerable communities and what it could mean for agriculture's future. Plenty of insight, perspective, and good conversation from New Zealand and beyond.Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

122 |  This episode covers New Zealand's wilding pine control funding, insights from recent agricultural conferences, and the impact of global trends on beef and lamb markets. It offers valuable perspectives on environmental management, market dynamics, and technological innovations in agriculture.Wilding pine infestation and government fundingHighlights from recent agricultural conferencesMarket outlook for beef and lambTechnological innovations in farmingEnvironmental and sustainability challengesBig thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream

EP 121 | This episode covers recent news in New Zealand, including a taste test of supermarket butter, the glyphosate legal challenge, the winding down of the Agri-Women's Development Trust, and an in-depth discussion on local government amalgamation and efficiency. The hosts share insights on science-based decisions, community impact, and the future of local governance.Big thanks to our partners Cinta Insights and Ag Assist for supporting our podcast.Sign up to our newsletter HEREHOSTS | @‌emilywalker @‌myfanwyalexanderIntro/outro copyright infoTrack: "Sunrise Instr"Music provided by Slipstream - Tell Your Story with Music | 1 million+ Songs & Sound EffectsFree Download / Stream: Sunrise Instr 001 by The Rhinestone Cowgirls | Slipstream